2012 Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule: Full Listing of Dates, Time and TV Info

If recent history tells us anything about the Pittsburgh Steelers, it's that the 2012 season will be another run at the AFC title.

Since the 2005 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have made three Super Bowls and won two of them. The downside was Pittsburgh's campaign following an appearance on the NFL's biggest stage.

After winning it all in 2005 and 2008, the Steelers failed to make the postseason in 2006 and 2009. Taking the AFC crown again in 2010, Pittsburgh went 12-4 in 2011, but was upset by the Denver Broncos in the Wild Card Round.

With key players intact on both sides such as James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, Troy Polamalu, Mike Wallace and Heath Miller; quarterback Ben Roethlisberger just needs a bit more time to setup in the pocket.

The Steelers have another tough schedule ahead of them, but as we've come to learn from the NFL's most consistent franchise—don't ever count out Pittsburgh.

The AFC North remains one of pro football's most difficult divisions. Baltimore and Cincinnati will definitely contend for the division, and Cleveland battled Pittsburgh well in 2011. Expect the division to challenge the Steelers emphatically, along with the entire AFC West and NFC East.

There, the Steelers travel back to Denver and also face the Cowboys and Giants on the road. Other tough home games will be the Chiefs (top-five defense potential) and the Eagles. The Jets and Titans are the easier of games for Pittsburgh, but by no means are either a slouch.

The Steelers have the talent and experience to contend for the division throughout, but the difficult schedule from top-to-bottom will force Pittsburgh to fight for a second straight wild-card spot.

Most Pivotal Matchup

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The Cincinnati Bengals are a team on the rise, and will be the main challenger to Pittsburgh for second place in the AFC North. Baltimore swept Pittsburgh in 2011, and the Ravens aren't slowing down in 2012.

Cincinnati on the other hand, finished with a top-10 defense last season and lost six games by eight points or less. Fielding an explosive offense that uses the electric connection of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, the Bengals' offense will only improve next fall.

Pittsburgh must remain ahead of Cincy in the division to solidify another postseason opportunity, because other AFC teams like Jacksonville, Buffalo and Kansas City will be in the hunt as well. If the Steelers drop back within their own division, say good-bye to the playoffs.